Director, Media & Public Relations Job at The Herman J Russell Center for Innova

Job Title: Director of Media & Public Relations

Department: Marketing and Communications

Salary Range: $87,500.00 - $92,000.00 (salary determination is commensurate with experience)

About RICE: The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) is Atlanta's home for Black entrepreneurs. Positioned as a business generator, RICE serves as an economic mobility engine for the community: driving entrepreneurs and small business owners to innovate, grow, create jobs and build wealth. Inspired by the legacy of Herman J. Russell, one of the most successful Black entrepreneurs and civic leaders in Atlanta, RICE remains dedicated to its mission to Build. Black. Business. and stands as the largest center in the world dedicated to growing, scaling, and developing Black Entrepreneurs.

Job Summary: The Director of Media and Public Relations at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) is a pivotal leader responsible for shaping and managing the organization’s public image and media presence. This role develops and executes comprehensive public relations strategies to amplify RICE’s mission of empowering Black entrepreneurs and small businesses. The Director builds and nurtures relationships with journalists, media outlets, and influencers to ensure consistent and impactful coverage of RICE’s programs, initiatives, and thought leadership. The Director oversees proactive and reactive media strategies, ensuring timely and effective responses to media inquiries. They lead the organization’s crisis communication efforts and will work closely with leadership to position RICE as a global thought leader in entrepreneurship, leveraging storytelling, strategic partnerships, and innovative communication approaches to highlight RICE’s impact.

• Develop and execute comprehensive public relations strategies to elevate RICE’s visibility and influence.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, media outlets, and influencers.
• Craft and distribute press materials, including press releases, media advisories, and thought leadership articles.
• Coordinate interviews, media briefings, and press events to promote RICE’s programs and initiatives.
• Oversee crisis communication strategies, ensuring timely and effective responses to sensitive situations.
• Collaborate with leadership to position RICE as a global thought leader in Black entrepreneurship.
• Identify and leverage storytelling opportunities that highlight RICE’s impact and success stories.
• Develop partnerships with external organizations to amplify messaging and expand RICE’s reach.
• Oversee the coordination of media inquiries, scheduled interviews, and prepare RICE representatives with talking points and key messaging.
• Design and implement proactive and reactive media strategies that align with RICE’s mission and objectives.
• Monitor media coverage and evaluate PR efforts using metrics and analytics to refine strategies.
• Stay informed on media trends and opportunities to position RICE at the forefront of conversations on entrepreneurship.
• Lead media efforts for RICE-hosted events, campaigns, and special initiatives.
• Secure media coverage for high-profile events, announcements, and partnerships.
• Develop media kits and promotional materials for external distribution.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in media relations or public relations, preferably in a nonprofit or entrepreneurial environment.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Experience in crisis communication and reputation management.
• Proficiency in media monitoring and analytics tools.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Passion for RICE’s mission and commitment to empowering Black entrepreneurs.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands here are representative of those met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to hold objects, writing instruments, the telephone, or files; and talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to chemicals such as cleaning supplies and office products. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The temperature in the work environment is maintained at a reasonable level.

NOTE: All interested candidates, please be sure to answer the required questions and attach a current resume. Also, please be advised that this is not a remote position.

The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. We expect every member of the RICE community to do their part to cultivate and maintain an environment where everyone has the opportunity to feel included, and is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve. Decisions related to recruitment are made fairly, and we provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates. RICE is also a drug-free workplace.